MEROBLASTIC OVUM Meaning and
Definition
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A meroblastic ovum is a type of egg that undergoes partial cleavage during embryonic development. In this type of egg, only a portion of the ovum is involved in the cell division process, resulting in the formation of two distinct cell layers. The remainder of the egg is yolk, a nutrient-rich substance that provides nourishment to the developing embryo.
Meroblastic ovum development is commonly observed in eggs of birds, reptiles, and some fish. In these species, the large quantity of yolk contained within the ovum is necessary to support the growth and development of the embryo. Due to the presence of yolk, cleavage is restricted to the blastodisc, which is a small disc-shaped region of the ovum that contains the nuclei of the embryonic cells.
As the embryo develops, the cleaved portion of the meroblastic ovum transforms into various tissue layers, including the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm, which give rise to the different organs and systems of the organism. Meanwhile, the yolk serves as a source of nutrients, enabling the embryo to continue its growth.
Compared to holoblastic ovum (which undergoes complete cleavage), meroblastic ovum development is more common in species with larger and more yolk-rich eggs. This type of ovum enables the embryonic development to occur while providing the necessary resources for nourishment, ensuring the survival and growth of the developing organism.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEROBLASTIC OVUM
- meroblastic ovtm
- meroblastic ovue
- meroblastic ovui
- meroblastic ovuo
- meroblastic ovul
- m eroblastic ovum
- me roblastic ovum
- mer oblastic ovum
- mero blastic ovum
- merob lastic ovum
- merobl astic ovum
- merobla stic ovum
- meroblas tic ovum
- meroblast ic ovum
- meroblasti c ovum
- meroblastic o vum
- meroblastic ov um
- meroblastic ovu m
Etymology of MEROBLASTIC OVUM
The term "meroblastic ovum" is a scientific term used in the field of embryology to describe a specific type of egg development. It can be broken down as follows:
1. Meroblastic: The word "meroblastic" comes from the Greek words "meros" meaning "part" or "portion", and "blastos" meaning "germ" or "bud". In embryology, "meroblastic" refers to a type of cleavage or division in the early stages of embryonic development where only a part of the egg undergoes division, resulting in the formation of a blastoderm. This type of cleavage is characteristic of eggs with a large amount of yolk, such as those of reptiles, birds, and fish.
2. Ovum: The word "ovum" is derived from the Latin word "ovum" meaning "egg".
